How you handle a bottle of wine is key to ensuring you’re maximizing its full potential. From where you store it when you bring it home, what to do with it when it’s opened, and storing any leftovers you may want to enjoy later. All of these will impact the aromas, flavors, and ultimately the enjoyment of your wine.
Let’s test your wine knowledge.
White Wines
True or False? White wines should be kept in the refrigerator? FALSE! While whites should be chilled they shouldn’t be stored in the fridge. Keeping white wine in a standard household refrigerator maintains the wine at too cold of a temperature which ultimately degrades the wine. White wines can be put in the fridge a few hours before you plan to serve them.
Optimal temperature: White wine should be served between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pro-Tip: The higher the quality of white wine, the less cold it should be.
Red Wines
True or False? Red wines should be served at “room temperature”? In theory TRUE but the right answer is FALSE. The term “room temperature” actually came about in the days of stone, cold castles not today’s comfy, insulated homes. So serving red on the cooler side is best.
If you have a wine fridge or temperature-controlled wine cellar, your red wine should be stored at the proper serving temperature. If you don’t a great idea is to put the bottle in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving since our homes are generally warmer than that.
Optimal temperature: Red wine should be served between 62-68 degrees
Pro-Tip: Don’t put red wine in the fridge for too long or it will become overly tannic and acidic. Reds should be opened and allowed time to breathe or aerate before serving.
Sparkling Wines and Champagne
The same that is true for white wines, not to store long-term in the refrigerator, is also true for sparkling wines and champagne. But, bubbly should be properly chilled before enjoying.
Optimal temperature: Sparkling Wines and Champagne should be served between 40-50 degrees
Wondering what to do with leftover wine?
On the off-chance you have left-over wine here’s how to store it for enjoyment later.
White wines can be recorked and put back in the fridge. They will keep well for 2-3 days before they lose their flavor.
Red wines should also be put in the fridge after opening. They will actually keep their flavors and aromas longer than whites, typically 3-5 days. The key is to take the bottle out an hour or so before serving to bring the temperature up a bit.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne will keep for several days in the fridge with a good stopper.
Pro-Tip: to get the cork back in the bottle, turn it upside down
A final note: Once the wine is past its prime pour it into ice trays, freeze it, and use it later to flavor stocks, soups, or gravy. You may even consider making your own wine vinegar.
Ready to stock up on your favorite M Cellars wines? Visit our website to shop now. As always, we offer complimentary shipping for purchases of 6+ bottles and as a reminder, wine club members receive a 15% savings on their wine and M Cellars merchandise.
